Bove to head RRA

By Katy Savage 

The Rutland Redevelopment Authority has a new executive director.

Ed Bove, who was the executive director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission for eight years, is starting his new role Sept. 6.

“It is an honor to be chosen to lead this prestigious organization,” Bove said in a news release. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help grow Rutland’s economy and enhance our built environment, working with the amazing RRA staff and board, as well as the DRP [Downtown Rutland Partnership], mayor, DPW [Dept. of Public Works], Board of Alderman and other local and regional partners.” 

Bove stepped down as executive director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission in January to focus on his family but he continued to work part-time on special projects. 

Bove was selected to head the RRA after a two-month search. 

He has a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Arizona and a background in housing development, economic development and planning. He was formerly the executive director of the Shires Housing Trust in Bennington. 

RRA Board President Ed Clark said they had six or seven applications for the position. 

“Ed has really great experience,” Clark said. “He knows a lot of the players, a lot of the people we team with. He’s very familiar with a lot of the state regulations and grant opportunities.”

Bove will replace Brennan Duffy, who resigned in October 2022 after some members of the Board of Aldermen publicly questioned the direction and lack of momentum of the organization. 

Barbara Spaulding, the organization’s grant administrator and sole employee since Duffy left, has been leading the RRA since. Spaulding will step into a new role as director of grants and outreach. 

“She’s so knowledgeable when it comes to grants,” Clark said. “She knows all the ins and outs.”  

Clark said he had lunch with Spaulding and Bove a couple weeks ago and was “blown away” by their chemistry.

“These folks are speaking the same language,” Clark said. “Barbara has worked with him well in the past. We thought he had the strongest credentials. He was also very excited about the job. I was impressed with how excited he was.” 

The RRA has been undergoing a strategic planning process since Duffy’s departure to develop a direction for future projects. Clark said Bove will be part of the strategic planning going forward.  

“We’re there to be an economic development driver for the city,” Clark said.

Though the RRA didn’t need Board of Aldermen approval, Clark said board members were “100% on board” with Bove. 

Bove will be the face of the organization, responsible for networking, working with other organizations and business people to enhance economic development for the city.

“I’m excited to get Ed on board,” Clark summarized.